[Obese teenagers in the eyes of their peers]

There is a social stereotype of a obese person. People very often manifest negative attitudes to the obese ones. The negative evaluation and rejection by peers experienced by obese people in adolescence can make some difficulties in the development of sense of identity and stabilization of relationship with others. The aim of the study is description of obese adolescents in the eyes of their peers.

60 adolescents (30 girls and 30 boys) at the mean age 14,34 years, range 13,5-15,0 years. Investigation has been done by the method specially prepared for that particular purpose--four pictures representing four people (from obese to lean) girls and boys dressed hiding/disclosing their body. In the first part of investigation adolescents should point out twice (relating to all pictures) these people, who they would like to sit beside on a bench. In the second part of the investigation they should point out features to 8 people of different sex and body mass. The method was prepared in two versions for girls and for boys.

1. Girls more often than boys point out slim people as primary choice. 2. All participants involved in the investigation point out the slim boy in cloths disclosing his body. 3. Girls more often relate to mental features. Boys more often describe people in evaluate and behavioral features. 4. The slim adolescents are perceived in a more differential way than the obese ones.

1. Obese teenagers could be perceived by peers as unattractive, not able to keep interpersonal relation. 2. Rejected by peers, obese people are therefore more likely to remain in infantile relationships with their mothers.